Cheek Named Dean of Library Services

August 25, 2005

Richard Cheek has been appointed dean of library services at Oklahoma Baptist University. Cheek has served four years at OBU as the computer and access services librarian.

“Richard was on the top of the list of a national search,” said Dr. Jim Colman, OBU senior vice president for academic affairs. “He has a clear understanding of development and an excellent objective for improving our library services.”

Increasing the ability of access to electronic materials and improving the process of receiving publications on loan are two areas of the library services that Cheek is making a as the new dean.

“I always have held a high priority of emphasizing service to students,” said Cheek. “I look at my new position as an opportunity for improving the library service as well as improving the service to the whole university community, particularly the faculty.”

Cheek came to OBU after serving eight years as director of the Guthrie Public Library in Guthrie, Okla. Before working in Guthrie, he was vice president of Allied Resources Inc. in Oklahoma City.

As a missionary and seminary teacher, Cheek was affiliated with the International Mission Board and the Baptist Theological Seminary in Penang, Malaysia. He taught courses at the seminary from 1982-85. He also was an adjunct teacher at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary from 1979-81.

Cheek holds a master’s degree of library and information science from the University of Oklahoma. He earned his master of divinity degree from SWBTS and his bachelor’s degree at OU. Cheek is a doctor of philosophy degree candidate at SWBTS.

A member of Meadowood Baptist Church in Midwest City, Okla., Cheek is a Sunday School teacher for high school senior boys. He is on the board of directors for Mission Mid-Del, a social ministry in the Midwest City/Del City area.